Back
2.07.2023Bayer 04

Bayer 04 mourn the loss of Klaus Täuber

Klaus Täuber passed away at the age of 65 on Saturday. The striker, known as the ‘Boxer’ due to having the same birthday as Muhammad Ali and his physical approach to the game, won the UEFA Cup with Bayer 04 in 1988 playing an important role in Leverkusen's first title win on the European stage.
crop_imago0001745010h.jpg

Täuber, born in Erlangen in Bavaria, made his Bundesliga debut for FC Nürnberg in the 1978/79 season. He moved on to Schalke 04 via Stuttgarter Kickers and flourished as a striker with the Royal Blues. He joined Bayer 04 in 1987. In his first season playing for the Black and Reds, Täuber made 23 Bundesliga appearances and scored six goals. The left-footer had his biggest success with the Werkself that season in the UEFA Cup.

After a 3-0 defeat against Espanyol in the first leg of the final, Bayer 04 entertained the Spanish side in Leverkusen. Täuber came off the bench on 62 minutes with the scoreline at 1-0 in place of Tita who was on a yellow card. A minute later he provided the cross for Falko Götz to double the lead at 2-0. The Werkself scored a third to take the game into extra time and penalties. Täuber converted the crucial spot-kick to win the UEFA Cup.

He started the next season at Bayer 04 but was forced to end his career due to injury in November 1988. Following his playing career, he worked as a coach including with the Schalke Reserves and Schwarz-Weiß Essen. Klaus Täuber passed away on Saturday at the age of 65.

Related News

crop_GettyImages-2283951623.jpg
Bayer 04 - 30.06.2026

World Cup blog: Flekken’s Oranje knocked out – Quansah makes World Cup debut

The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.

Show more
Onyeka und Culbreath
Youth - 29.06.2026

U19 European Championship in Wales: Culbreath and Onyeka start in opening victory

A goal-fest to kick off the U19 European Championship in Wales: Germany defeated Denmark 4–3 in their first Group A fixture. Both Montrell Culbreath and captain Francis Onyeka were in the starting line-up, with the latter scoring the first goal of the game from the penalty spot on five minutes.

Show more
Emma Owen
Youth - 28.06.2026

From Bayer 04 to FC Utrecht: Chigozie Owen moves to the Eredivisie

Bayer 04 have transferred U19 midfielder Emmanuel Chigozie Owen to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.

Show more
BayArena
Bayer 04 - 26.06.2026

New seating at the BayArena amidst refurbishments

Renovation work has been underway at the BayArena for several weeks now as part of the stadium’s routine refurbishment after 17 years. More and more of the new folding seats – which, from next season, will provide significantly greater comfort and make it easier to move between rows – have now been installed. The new high-quality seats have now been fitted throughout the entire east stand, giving the BayArena a new lease of life.

Show more